UK Online Poker Operators Hold Steady as 40% Gambling Tax Takes Effect

The United Kingdom will introduce a significant increase in gambling taxes next week, but online poker players are unlikely to see immediate changes when the new regime takes effect on April 1.

From that date, the country’s Remote Gaming Duty will jump from 21% to 40%, placing the UK among the highest-taxed online gambling markets in the world. The change affects all forms of remote gaming, including online casino titles and peer-to-peer games such as poker.

Despite the steep rise, early signals from major operators suggest that the short-term impact on players will be limited. According to industry reports cited by PokerIndustry PRO, several online poker platforms have indicated they do not currently plan to withdraw from the UK or introduce immediate adjustments to their services.

A number of well-known operators continue to offer licensed online poker in the country under the supervision of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). The regulated market includes major brands such as GGPoker, PokerStars, PartyPoker, 888poker, Unibet, Sky Poker, Grosvenor Poker, Betfair Poker, William Hill, and Bet365.

GGPoker confirmed that the upcoming tax increase will not affect the experience of its British players. A company representative told PokerIndustry PRO that the platform does not plan to introduce any changes for UK customers, describing them as an important part of the global poker ecosystem.

PokerStars did not provide additional comments following the latest developments. However, its parent company Flutter Entertainment previously criticized the policy when it was announced during the UK’s 2025 autumn budget. Flutter UKI CEO Kevin Harrington warned that the higher duty could strengthen illegal gambling sites that do not pay taxes or follow responsible gaming regulations.

While the industry has reacted cautiously, several companies have signaled they are prepared to absorb the higher costs for now because of the strategic importance of the UK market.

The tax increase was confirmed in the UK government’s November 2025 budget. The new structure nearly doubles the Remote Gaming Duty to 40% starting in April 2026.

The reform also includes other changes. Bingo duty, previously set at 10%, will be eliminated, while taxation on online sports betting is scheduled to rise from 15% to 25% beginning in April 2027. Horse racing bets will remain exempt from the increase due to the sport’s reliance on gambling-related revenue.

With the new 40% rate, the UK will move ahead of many European jurisdictions. Several major markets operate with significantly lower levels of taxation, including Belgium (11%), Bulgaria (20%), Sweden (22%), Spain (around 20–25%), Italy (about 25%), Romania (27%), Denmark (28%), and the Netherlands (roughly 34–38%).

The government expects the measure to generate around £1.1 billion in additional annual tax revenue by the end of the decade.

Unsurprisingly, gambling companies have responded critically to the policy. Many industry representatives warn that the higher tax burden could reduce investment and potentially lead to job losses within the sector.

Entain, the parent company of PartyPoker, estimates the new duty could reduce its earnings by £100 million to £150 million across 2026 and 2027. CEO Stella David described the decision as disappointing but emphasized that the company remains well positioned to adapt to the changes.

Similarly, Evoke CEO Per Widerström has argued that the higher rates could harm both the industry and the wider economy.

Smaller operators have already started reassessing their position in the UK market. One example is GGBet, which withdrew from the country shortly after the tax increase was announced last year.

For online poker platforms, however, the UK remains one of the most valuable regulated markets worldwide, frequently ranking among the top sources of player liquidity. While no immediate adjustments are expected, the long-term effects of the higher duty could still lead to changes such as increased rake or reduced promotions for UK players.

For now, though, players are unlikely to notice any difference when the new tax rules come into force next week.